Marketing Specialist

Are you looking for a new direction? Do you enjoy being on the cutting edge in your field? Or, perhaps you’re looking for a way to use those digital skills you have? Then, becoming a marketing specialist could be exactly what you need. This career is developing at a faster pace than average for all occupations. And, demand is expected to grow with the increasing use of digital media.

What Is a Marketing Specialist?

Marketing specialists are much like market research analysts. They gather information on what makes consumers want certain products or services and use this information to help companies understand who will buy them and how much they will pay for them. And, like marketing managers, they track market conditions to help companies more directly market to their target customers. They develop new products or services, as prevailing trends indicate. Marketing specialists also develop brand messages and work to enhance brand awareness. 

Job Responsibilities of Marketing Specialists

Here are some of the job responsibilities of marketing specialists:

• Preparing reports and findings into charts and written text
• Developing marketing strategies for projects, including company websites and social media
• Providing information to help companies determine their position in the marketplace
• Working closely with the sales team on program development and implementation
• Gathering competitive data on prices, sales, and marketing methods
• Creating and executing lead generation programs
• Collecting and analyzing customer demographic data for opportunities
• Analyzing data metrics for campaign efficiency
• Collecting data using surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires
• Ensuring creative marketing materials undergo regular review and adhere to brand guidelines

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Career Outlook for Marketing Specialists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for market research analysts will increase by 23 percent between 2016 and 2026. ONET reports that employment for market research analysts and marketing specialists will increase by 15 percent, or greater, during the same decade. In either event, this career is growing faster than the average of 7 percent for all occupations. And, because marketing specialists are also on the cutting edge of digital media marketing, the demand for their services will grow.

A marketing specialist commonly requires a bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing or related studies.  Given the nature of their duties, a Digital Marketing associate degree from Bryant & Stratton College could be exactly what is needed to move you into this exciting, fast-paced career.

What can I do with a Digital Marketing Associate Degree?

A digital marketing associate degree from Bryant & Stratton College will give you the tools to launch your career as a marketing specialist. It will provide you with a foundation in essential digital practices in online marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing and web data analysis. You will also learn advanced business management and marketing concepts through a diverse set of courses.

With concentration on both traditional and contemporary practices, this degree program will ensure that you learn the necessary skills to succeed in the various aspects of the business and marketing field. Current techniques and technologies are a key focus, as this program delves into the essential aspects of social media marketing and the power of brand ambassadors on your marketing efforts.

Through this program, you will be provided with the means to analyze consumer behavior and the results of marketing campaigns to concentrate on your client’s needs. You will also be able to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital marketing campaign at the local, national and even global level. And, you will be able to come up with tactics to support this marketing strategy. You will be able to use both traditional and digital marketing strategies to increase brand visibility and accessibility, as measured by website traffic and inquiry to sales conversions. You will be engaging with customers through various digital channels to build loyalty, as measured by repeat business or customer satisfaction levels.

Additional Training/Requirements

In addition to a associate degree, becoming a marketing specialist often requires three or more years of experience in a marketing position.  Some jobs will require a bachelor’s degree.

While there are no certifications specific to a marketing specialist, there are several certifications you can seek out to better position yourself in the marketplace. Bryant & Stratton College’s digital marketing degree program will prepare you to sit for the OMCA (Online Marketing Certified Associate) exam. OMCA is an important entry – level certification for online marketers.

Employment Settings for Marketing Specialists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top employers of market research analysts, who are similar to marketing specialists, were as follows in 2016:

• 12 percent in management, scientific and technical consulting services
• 10 percent in finance and insurance
• 9 percent in the wholesale trade
• 8 percent in management of companies and enterprises
• 3 percent in the publishing industries, not including Internet.

According to salary.com, current employment trends for marketing specialists are as follows: 

• 9 percent in retail and wholesale
• 9 percent in software and networking
• 10 percent in healthcare
• 10 percent in financial services
• 14 percent in business services

This is a full-time position which frequently requires working in teams. It can sometimes be stressful due to deadlines and may require some overtime work.

While this information may help you in determining the right career path for you, understand that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, or elsewhere, is intended to provide insight into occupational opportunities, and is not to be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Bryant & Stratton College cannot guarantee employment in any field.

For insights into a career as a marketing specialist, please visit the Business section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about digital marketing careers and a career as a marketing specialist. Explore the website and be sure to visit the AAS Digital Marketing page.